Lead Nurse

Position Overview

An exceptional opportunity is available for a proactive and enthusiastic individual to take on the role of Lead Nurse for the Infection Control Management Team at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.

The Lead Nurse for Infection Control will serve as a prominent, approachable, and authoritative figure within their clinical domain. This role will be accessible to patients, their families, and staff, providing expert guidance and support in infection control matters while addressing any issues or concerns that may arise.

Key Responsibilities

The Lead Nurse will collaborate with the Associate Nurse Director for Infection Control to implement the Trust's infection control strategy. The individual will be accountable for delivering and promoting leadership in infection control across the Trust, establishing and evaluating standards that are evidence-based and reflect best practices.

This role will facilitate effective management of the infection control team through a supportive leadership approach, ensuring the delivery of infection control services across all facilities. The Lead Nurse will play a crucial role in managing and executing the regional and national infection control agenda, overseeing the daily operational implementation of a comprehensive infection prevention program throughout Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team, exhibit quick thinking and problem-solving skills, and showcase proven leadership capabilities.

Confidence in providing expert advice to both clinical and non-clinical colleagues, both internally and externally, is essential to continuously mitigate risks, enhance patient safety, and improve overall patient experience. The candidate must consistently advocate for sound infection control practices, even during periods of significant operational and clinical demands.

About Stockport NHS Foundation Trust

We hold a distinctive position within the Stockport community as a primary healthcare provider and one of the largest employers in the area.

We believe that the most effective organizations reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Therefore, we are committed to enhancing the diversity of our workforce to ensure it is truly representative of our local population.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities within our workforce.

If you require assistance with your application, please reach out to a member of our recruitment team, who can discuss alternative application methods.

We recognize the importance of flexible working arrangements. We take requests for flexible working seriously and strive to accommodate them in alignment with the needs of our services.

Benefits Offered:

• Annual leave entitlement ranging from 27 to 33 days, in addition to bank holidays
• Membership in the NHS pension scheme
• Salary sacrifice schemes for vehicle leasing, home electronics, and more, to enhance your salary
• Discounts available for NHS staff
• Cycle to work initiative
• Salary finance options for loans, savings, budgeting, and debt management
• Access to Stockport Credit Union for local financial guidance

Job Responsibilities

The Lead Nurse is responsible for ensuring that safe infection control practices are established and maintained to facilitate secure care delivery and support efficient patient flow.

They will ensure compliance with policies related to infection control and hygiene, taking personal responsibility for addressing any issues or deficiencies as necessary.

The Lead Nurse will serve as a role model, taking corrective measures to uphold the standards expected by the Trust and the nursing profession. This includes participating in hospital-specific shift arrangements to provide professional guidance and leadership during evenings, weekends, and bank holidays in support of operational teams.

In collaboration with the Assistant Nurse Director for Infection Control, the Lead Nurse will contribute to the strategic direction of the infection control program, enhancing and monitoring patient care standards while ensuring effective infection control services.

Commitment to Safeguarding

The Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment by implementing the Trust's policies and procedures, acting promptly on concerns, and communicating effectively.

If selected for this position, an enhanced DBS check will be required, with the associated cost deducted from your initial salary.

Additionally, it will be a condition of employment to join the DBS update service and pay the annual subscription fee.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Registered Nurse on the NMC Register
• Master's degree or equivalent experience, or currently pursuing a Master's degree
• Evidence of ongoing personal and professional development
• Completion of a leadership course or currently enrolled
• Completion of a mentorship course

Knowledge Requirements

Essential:

• Comprehensive understanding of infection control developments within the NHS
• Familiarity with HR policies and procedures, with demonstrable experience in managing substantial staff numbers

Desirable:

• Knowledge and experience of CQC accreditation and revalidation

Experience Requirements

Essential:

• Senior operational management experience in infection control within a clinical NHS setting at a management level or higher
• Proven understanding and successful management of large budgets
• Significant experience in people management and effective leadership

Skills & Abilities

Essential:

• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to analyze and present reports effectively